Political class is to blame for new wave of migrants

AND so it begins. But do not blame the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria for flocking to our shores when our Government has extended an open-ended invitation.

Which of us, if unfortunate enough to be born in one of the poorest countries of Eastern Europe, can say we would turn down the offer of access to the jobs market and benefits system of one of the richest countries in Western Europe? Basic economics dictates that a westward flow of migrants will continue across Europe while the EUs freedom of movement laws continue to hold sway. Many of the new arrivals have come with the intention of working and it will not be their fault if the taxes they pay fail to cover the cost of the public services they consume or the welfare state entitlements they take up. Neither will they be to blame if their presence causes further downward pressure on wages or makes it harder for Britains unemployed to find work.

The minority perhaps a sizeable one of Romanians and Bulgarians who are coming simply to live off benefits deserve less sympathy. But even they are simply taking advantage of a system they did not create. It was our politicians who did that. They should not expect forgiveness any time soon.